How to wipe a drive after installing 8.1 to SSD

SykeMyLyfe

Reputable
Jun 3, 2015
30
0
4,530
How would i go about completely wiping a HDD after installing 8.1 to my SSD? Do i just delete the partition & start a new one? Do i need a program or something?
 
Solution


OK, then.
Install the OS with ONLY the SSD connected.
Verify the SSD is first in the boot order.
After all is up and running to your satisfaction, reconnect the HDD.
Disk Management, and delete all the partitions on the HDD.
Format.
Done.

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
When you installed 8.1, was the HDD still connected?
If so, the small System Reserved partition probably exists on that drive and not the SSD.

If you can boot without the HDD connected, you're good.
Disk Management, and see exactly what partitions are on it.
You can also delete any desired partitions in Disk Management, but be absolutely sure you know what ones you are accessing and deleting.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


OK, then.
Install the OS with ONLY the SSD connected.
Verify the SSD is first in the boot order.
After all is up and running to your satisfaction, reconnect the HDD.
Disk Management, and delete all the partitions on the HDD.
Format.
Done.
 
Solution

gbb0330

Reputable
Apr 28, 2015
1,498
0
5,960


Lets make sure we understand what you are trying to do.
Sounds like you have 2 hard drives, 1 mechanical hard drive with windows on it and another new SSD drive. you want to install windows on the SSD drive and boot from it. Do you want to delete everything from the old mechanical drive or just windows?